Acupressure is a form of massage therapy that targets specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Although research does not support the use of acupressure to treat breast cancer, it may improve the quality of life in some cases, reports the American Cancer Society. Talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of alternative therapies for breast cancer.
History
Acupressure is a noninvasive type of massage therapy that presses and releases the energy that may affect pain and stress. The use of acupressure can be traced back as far as 2000 B.C. in China, notes the ACS. According to traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure can induce relaxation, promote wellness and treat disease.
Theories/Speculation
Acupressure is based on the theory that illness may develop when the natural energy flow is obstructed or imbalanced. The goal of acupressure is to return health, vitality and balance to the flow of energy.
Left untreated, sluggish energy may lead to numerous ailments include headaches, insomnia and more serious disease such as cancer, notes BreastCancer.com.
When practiced regularly, acupressure is suggested to help prevent breast cancer or its return by encouraging the even flow of energy. One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer at some point in her life, according to MedlinePlus.
Considerations
Acupressure may diminish nausea caused by anesthesia used during surgery as well as from chemotherapy treatments.
Acupressure should be performed as often as possible to ensure maximum benefit, reports the website BreastCancer.com. Pressure point massage therapy should be provided by a knowledgeable professional with experience working with cancer patients, advises the ACS.
Warning
Cancer patients should avoid massaging areas near potentially cancerous lumps and tumors. Tissue manipulation in the area of a malignancy may encourage the spread of cancer cells to other areas of the body, warns the ACS. Cancer patients that are currently undergoing treatment should avoid deep pressure massage.
Outlook
No alternative medical treatments including acupressure are able to cure breast cancer, cautions MayoClinic.com. However it may complement traditional treatment by relieving treatment side effects and improving your sense of well being. Ask your health care provider about the risks and benefits of acupressure for breast cancer.
